Second Nature

Basketball isn’t defined like any other sport for guard Jordan Roddy. The Houston native simply calls it second nature as he aspires to be the leader many never thought he would be.

Born in Houston and raised in San Antonio, Roddy initiated his career in basketball when he was in the fourth grade. While many kids are inspired by star athletes, he decided on his own to play the game in a church league with friends. 
“He’s a nice guy and a cool person to be around on and off the court,” forward Brad Renz said.

Prior to finding interest in the sport, Roddy participated in soccer and football. But basketball was the ideal fit for the 6-foot-4-inch guard with ambitions to play a leading role some day. And while being the Blazers primetime scorer and first in minutes played, he’s on his way.

“I started to play soccer and football,” Roddy said. “I chose basketball because it’s a five-player sport and it’s easy to take over a game if my teammates need me to.”

Growing up, basketball would be there for Roddy. But sustaining grades in school was first priority for the guard and still is today. “My mother always made sure I had my priorities in check,” he said. “I could be the best player in the world, but if school wasn’t in check, I wasn’t going anywhere.”

Blazer fans and teammates know Roddy is a team player on the court. And the athlete is known for having a “tremendous personality” off the hardwood. Head Coach Tim McGraw classifies the guard as one of the most admirable and talented players to ever play for him.

“We really haven’t had any players play better than Roddy,” McGraw said. “He has played very well. His teammates love him and he gets along with everybody.”

According to Roddy, McGraw likes to recruit from San Antonio. In 2008 during his senior year at Winston Churchill High School (San Antonio), Roddy was the marquee player in an unsigned senior camp when McGraw came to watch him play.

“We’re like best friends,” guard Marquiz Baker said. “He’s unselfish on the court and knows the game.”

When tryouts were being held at the NLC gym in the summer, the starter received numerous calls from McGraw to come tryout for the Blazers. “I came to visit NLC for tryouts, I felt comfortable and stayed,” Roddy said.

As a freshman, Roddy felt he was a role player. When it was time for sophomore players to move on to their respective universities, he certainly became more hungry and aggressive as a player. In fact, during that summer Roddy already had confidence in leading this Blazer ball club.

“Jordan’s a good teammate,” guard Josh Fobbs said. “He has good leadership skills and you can count on him when plays need to be made.”

The night before game days, Roddy views YouTube videos of some NBA clips to pick-up some tips. Observing some of his favorite pro athletes like Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics), Lebron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Joe Johnson (Atlanta Hawks) helps him attain new moves.

“I always have my earphones in my ears on game day, ready to go,” Roddy said. “I listen to music that gets me pumped.”

Although he nurtures basketball, every day is not the best day. When upset and feeling pain, Roddy finds a court anywhere nearby and gets to it. The sport helps him relieve stress.

 While spending his last semester at NLC, Roddy has many scholarship offers to meditate. At least five Division I programs have recognized him. Alabama State, Praire View A&M, Alcorn State, Texas Wesleyan and Southern Universities are all interested.

“Everything is still in the air so I don’t know where I’m bound to land,” Roddy said. “Right now it’s still the season so I’m just trying to focus on the team and take care of myself first.”
Roddy wants to go as far as possible with basketball. For his backup career, he plans to complete a double major of business and psychology. But he’ll definitely study psychology.
At one point in life, Roddy was leery about his success in basketball. But his perseverance and strengths turned it all around.

“I do all I can to win,” he said. “The weak give up and the strong get through it. I hardly doubt I will ever give up basketball.”